Jakarta, INTI – In a move to strengthen its self reliance in the semiconductor sector, India has officially unveiled the "Vikram 32-bit," an indigenously developed processor designed to withstand the extreme conditions of space missions. The technology was introduced at Semicon India 2025 in New Delhi on Tuesday, September 29, 2025.
During the event, the chip was presented directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi by the Minister of Electronics and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, symbolizing India’s success in launching an advanced processor for space missions. Initially unveiled in March 2021, the first batch of the chip was successfully validated in space 3.5 years later during the PSLV-C60 mission.
Design and Specifications of the Vikram Processor
The chip was fully engineered locally, with the primary development led by ISRO’s Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) in Mohali. It is specifically designed to endure the extreme conditions encountered in space launch vehicles. Moreover, the Vikram-32 is a versatile computing chip capable of handling multiple complex tasks.
According to India Today, the chip operates with decimal numbers (e.g.,3.14) and is built using a 32-bit design, meaning it processes data in 32-bit chunks simultaneously. It is engineered to withstand extreme temperatures and environmental conditions typical of spaceflight. ISRO states that the chip can handle substantial memory and execute complex instructions necessary for satellite and spacecraft launches.
Development from Previous Innovations
As reported by Times of India, the Vikram-32, also referred to as VIKRAM3201, is an evolution of the earlier VIKRAM1601 processor, which used a 16-bit design in ISRO’s launch vehicle avionics systems since 2009.
The new chip includes advanced capabilities such as a specialized instruction set architecture supporting floating-point computation for precise satellite positioning. It also features an advanced compiler that allows the processor to run programs written in modern programming languages, enhancing both security and operational efficiency.
Although primarily developed for space applications, the robust design of the Vikram processor opens possibilities for use in other strategic sectors such as defense systems, advanced automotive technology, and high-reliability energy systems.
India’s Commitment to Becoming a Global Semiconductor Hub
The launch of Vikram underscores India’s ambition to become a global hub for chip design and manufacturing, reducing dependence on imports. Initiatives like the India Semiconductor Mission and the Design-Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme have been introduced to support the establishment of semiconductor facilities across various states and to foster growth among local chip design startups.
To date, the Indian government has approved 10 semiconductor manufacturing projects. One notable example is CG-Semi, which will produce India’s first domestically made chips from an OSAT (Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test) facility in Sanand, Gujarat. Additionally, under the DLI scheme, 23 chip design projects have been approved to support startups and innovators.
Conclusion
The launch of the Vikram 32-bit processor marks a significant milestone in India’s technological journey. The chip is more than a product; it represents tangible evidence of the nation’s transformation from a consumer to a creator of critical technology. With advanced technical capabilities and robust policy support, India is steadily moving toward sovereignty and global competitiveness in the semiconductor era.
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